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Fee Models Explained
General information only - not legal advice.
Published: 17 July 2025 | Reviewed: 27 November 2025
(3-minute read)
Legal fees come in different shapes.
Some look predictable but hide timing or scope risks later.
Others work well only in limited situations.
This page gives you a clear, side-by-side comparison so you can see:
who controls the cost
what risks regulators highlight
which situations each model tends to suit
| Model | Who controls the cost? | Hidden risks | Who it works best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| No win, no fee | The lawyer | Extra success fees; liability for disbursements & opponent costs | Money claims with strong prospects (injury, consumer, estate, class actions) |
| Free legal help (pro bono) | The lawyer | Limited scope; may end anytime; no continuity | People with no or very few assets |
| Direct fixed-fee | The lawyer | Extra work outside scope may attract new fees; no second opinion | Routine tasks like wills or leases |
| Clean Law | You | Fixed fees in escrow, released stage-by-stage with your approval; no referral fees; independent oversight | People with something at stake — home, business, or peace of mind |
| Independence Clean Law’s model is checked each year through independent audit and federal reporting standards - making these safeguards visible, not just promised. | |||
How to read this table
Fee models differ mainly by:
cost control — who decides when work happens
timing — when costs arise
visibility — whether increases appear early or late
Regulators across Australia highlight these three issues in their consumer guides.
This table helps you spot those differences quickly.
Clean Law in context
Clean Law’s model is different because:
funds stay in escrow until you approve each stage
your courtroom lawyer handles the trial path only
Clean Law handles settlement and cost safety
incentives align: If YOU save, WE win; if your case DRAGS, we lose.
Two independent lawyers often cost less than one — because you fund one path, not both.
Where to explore next
→ Consumer Guides on ‘No Win No Fee’
→ Law Reform & Policy Commentary
By Nicky Wang
Principal Solicitor
Legal Liaison Ltd (trading as Clean Law)
Prepared in accordance with public-interest governance,
annual Law Society trust-account audits, and ACNC-reported standards.
Disclaimer: This page is intended to provide general information only and is not legal advice. The contents may not reflect the most current legal developments and do not take into account your individual circumstances. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of this information without obtaining legal advice tailored to your situation.